Rome2rio understands the difficulties in finding the right information when planning a trip. Whether you're travelling to see loved ones, or you simply want to restart that trip you had to cancel due to COVID, we want to help. Our main goal is to ensure that you are well informed about what you can expect when travelling in a post-COVID world. We have put together this article containing insights and advice to help ensure your upcoming journey is a safe one.
- Will my service be running?
- Preparing you for the new way of travel
- What can I expect when I reach my station/airport?
- What happens if my service is cancelled?
- Are there still travel restrictions in place?
- Helpful Links
Will my service be running?
Our team works hard to ensure that all of our listed schedules are up to date. The scheduling information that we receive from transport operators can change from day to day, but will generally be accurate. However, there is always the possibility of last-minute changes or cancellations caused by COVID. This is why we recommend contacting the listed operator to confirm that services on that day are still running. Operator contact information is located under the schedules for each transport option, in the section ‘Operator details’.
Preparing you for the new way of travel
Keep yourself and others safe when you travel. Rome2rio recommends the following:
PLAN AHEAD
Prepare for your trip by researching travel restrictions that apply to both your origin and destination.
Be aware that many countries and regions update their rules frequently; make sure you keep up to date.
Ensure peace of mind by booking flexible fares.
AVOID UNNECESSARY CONTACT
Book and check in online when possible.
Avoid using cash. Use contactless payment in airports and stations when available.
PROTECT YOURSELF
Maintain a distance of 6 feet (2 metres) between you and others whenever possible.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Cough and sneeze into a kleenex or your arm sleeve.
Carry your own personal protection items, like masks and hand sanitiser.
Wash your hands often and avoid touching items that are not your own.
EXPECT LONGER TRAVEL TIMES
Biosecurity measures, such as COVID testing and temperature checks, have become commonplace; allow additional travel time.
Ensure your service has not been delayed. Check with the airline or transport operator before your scheduled departure.
By following these recommendations, we can all make a difference in preventing the spread of COVID.
What can I expect when I reach my station/airport?
Added bio-security measures are now being widely implemented across many stations and airports which will result in longer screening times when in transit. These measures can include COVID-19 testing, temperature screening, compulsory hygiene protocols (such as face masks) and digital ticketing. In some cases not following these rules may result in fines or warnings being issued.
We expect more changes like these to become commonplace when travelling in a post-COVID world. Although this will increase the overall time of your journey these safety protocols will ensure that everyone arrives safely at their destination.
What happens if my service is cancelled?
It is important to be prepared for any changes or cancellations that may occur due to COVID-related issues. This is why we have created a comprehensive guide of current COVID cancellations policies applicable for any transport operator booked through Rome2rio.
We recommend booking flexible tickets just in case changes or cancellations do occur. If you are booking tickets through our partner Omio, please visit their help centre for additional information.
Are there still travel restrictions in place?
We understand that the outbreak of COVID has made finding up to date travel restriction information challenging. This is why our team has been working hard to update our trip planning pages with relevant COVID-19 travel facts and advisory banners. You can view important travel information related to your search, including links to government websites, by clicking on these banners.
This information is broken down into the following:
On our map and schedules view, this information will be broken down into the following:
1) No restrictions - No COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place for entry with all transport services expected to be running as normal
2) Partial restrictions - Some COVID-19 travel restrictions may be in place such as health screening on arrival, quarantine on arrival or a ban on travellers from high-risk countries.
3) Total restrictions - COVID-19 travel restrictions apply upon entry with transport services being impacted.
This information is provided by ACAPS, Oxford and Rome2rio’s own data.
If you are unable to find the information you need, we recommend contacting our customer support team who will be more than happy to assist you further.
Message from the Rome2rio Team
Rome2rio is always looking towards new ways of inspiring travellers. We have also been reflecting upon the difficulties faced during the COVID crisis. We know that travel may never be the same again, but this does not mean we aren’t excited about what the future will bring - perhaps these changes are for the best for all our safety when travelling. Regardless of the circumstances, we are passionate about exploring this amazing world again, and hope you can join us for the ride.
Helpful Links
World Health Organisation (WHO) public advice